The Youngest Son of the Nanyang Jin Family - Chapter 125

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

The Youngest Son of the Nakhyang Jin Family — Chapter 125

A total of fifty people.
It was four days later when twelve cargo wagons departed from Nakhyang.
Since these were gifts for the newly appointed Jangmunin of the Allied Faction, there were quite a few precious items, and the quantity was substantial enough to fill all twelve wagons to the brim.
As a result, the warriors had to stretch themselves thin.
Though they would rotate shifts, the journey to Gansu while hauling heavy cargo would be grueling nonetheless.
I mounted my horse and remained behind Yang Jachun.
Namgung Baek and Namgung Yeon flanked me on either side, while Chaeseoha rode behind me, surrounded by Pyosa’s men.
Though I hadn’t issued any explicit orders, the excessive protection was no illusion.
Surely, Father’s influence was at work.
It was as if they were determined that even if we lost the cargo in a sudden ambush, Chaeseoha would be protected at all costs.
She must be quite the valuable asset to the family.
I let out an amused laugh and shook my head.
“By the way, Young Master. Will the two who left earlier be alright?”
“Is that even a question? Chu Hyeongi will have a rough time, but nothing will go wrong. In fact, it might work in our favor.”
“In our favor?”
At Chaeseoha’s questioning voice, I nodded.
Gu Gunbaek and we are undoubtedly traveling the same route.
The only difference is that while we move slowly on horseback, he’s advancing at a frenzied pace using light movement techniques.
In the process, if he encounters bandits, thieves, or anyone worth gaining real combat experience from, he’ll beat them mercilessly.
That’s the advantage.
We don’t have to shed blood on our end.
However, Namgung Yeon couldn’t help but feel somewhat dissatisfied.
As expected, her expression was poor.
There was something anxious about it.
Until now, she had held superiority over Jang Chuchyeong through overwhelming talent, but she seemed uneasy at the thought that the person she’d meet in Namman might be an entirely different person.
I let out a quiet chuckle.
“Don’t be anxious. Sometimes the slow path is also a path.”
“I know that. But thinking about losing to that person… it makes my teeth ache.”
Namgung Yeon didn’t hide her emotions and expressed them candidly. This was because the frivolous words and actions of that reckless fellow didn’t resonate with Namgung Yeon.
Moreover, this was connected to a martial artist’s pride.
For someone who had been superior to descend beneath that person was truly a fatal matter.
“Accumulate as much experience as possible with Pyosa’s men on the way. When we arrive, we might be able to verify the results.”
“Results… you say?”
At my sudden words, Namgung Yeon looked at me with confusion.
Since she had no idea what would happen at the Allied Faction, her reaction was entirely natural.
I smiled and pondered.
Normally, it would be years before Namgung Yeon could defeat Moyong Hyeok.
I gritted my teeth alone, wielded my sword, and trained relentlessly for that day.
However, I intend to accelerate that timeline.
Moyong Hyeok is already a broken man once.
If he suffers another defeat at the hands of Namgung Yeon in these circumstances, the humiliation would be beyond words.
The world would reassess him entirely.
Furthermore, this would reinforce the Namgung Family’s name in people’s minds, and I planned to use it as a signal flare for the revival of the Cheonhajeilgeom School.
Naturally, the Moyong Family wouldn’t stand idle.
The moment they make a move, I’ll strike back.
I intend to completely shake the deeply rooted foundations of the Moyong Family.
This stems partly from the old enmity between the Namgung and Moyong families, but more precisely, it’s about making them pay the price for their interference between me and those bastards.
“I’ll let them die slowly.”
Rather than severing their necks in one swift motion, I wanted to watch them writhe in agony as a blade pierced their lungs.
This was merely the starting point for that.
I smiled as I looked at Namgung Yeon.
“A small martial tournament will be held by the Allied Faction. With many renowned martial artists present, most of the rising talents will participate… and you’ll compete there.”
“…!”
At my words, Namgung Yeon’s eyes widened in shock.
It wasn’t just her.
Namgung Baek, who had been listening beside us, felt the same.
“…Yeon-a isn’t ready yet!”
“Experience is built in places like that. And stop coddling her. Your sister is a full-fledged adult.”
“….”
At my words, Namgung Baek clamped his mouth shut, unable to counter.
He simply lowered his gaze, finding no argument to make.
As I turned my eyes away with an indifferent gaze, Namgung Yeon’s tense expression became visible.
Her mind seemed quite complicated.
“Moyong Hyeok will also compete there, as the Changryongdan will be present.”
“That… that man….”
“Yes, so grit your teeth. Recall what you’ve gained from our sparring sessions, fill in what’s lacking, and suppress what’s excessive. You don’t want to lose, do you?”
“Of course not.”
Namgung Yeon nodded with a resolute expression.
Losing to others could be accepted as a lack of skill, but from her perspective, she wouldn’t tolerate losing to her family’s sworn enemy.
I could tell just from the fierce burning in her eyes.
She seemed determined to achieve victory.
However, one must always account for unexpected variables.
As I was thinking such thoughts.
Yang Jachun, who had been leading ahead, suddenly stopped.
He then raised his hand, signaling everyone to halt.
“There are unknown groups ahead.”
I looked forward as Yang Jachun indicated.
Though the distance was considerable, I could see a fair number of people taking their rest.
It wasn’t just one or two.
At least thirty.
If they harbored ill intent and blocked the path ahead, it would become quite a troublesome situation.
Yet it seemed they were also watching us intently.
Then someone waved their hand.
“Jin Gongja! It’s been so long!”
A figure approached, waving frantically as if expressing joy toward an old friend, and I caught sight of them.
Focusing my eyes, I couldn’t help but be surprised.
It was Paeng Dohan.
I subtly urged my horse forward, positioning myself ahead of Yang Jachun, and only then did Paeng Dohan, who had come running, break into a broad grin as he looked at me.
“Hahaha! How long has it been since I’ve seen your face?”
“It’s good to see you, Paeng Sohyeop. I never expected to meet you in a place like this.”
Paeng Dohan, still wearing his hearty laugh, approached and spoke to me with exaggerated familiarity, as if greeting a truly close friend.
However, it wasn’t only Paeng Dohan.
Eon Garyeo, who came running from behind, broke into a wide smile.
“Have you been well? Of course, I’m here too.”
“It’s good to see you, Miss Eon. Your face tells me you’ve been doing well.”
At the actions of the two greeting me warmly, the atmosphere of wariness naturally dissolved.
As Yang Jachun gave a light signal with his hand toward the rear, the others also relaxed their tension along with their vigilance.
It wasn’t only I who noticed this.
Paeng Dohan, too, nodded with a satisfied expression, then approached me quietly and spoke again.
“Ah, now that I think about it, I heard you caused quite the commotion at Sadocheon?”
“It wasn’t such a remarkable matter.”
“What do you mean it wasn’t remarkable? You subdued Junior Heavenly Lord Cheon Yul! What could be more remarkable than that? Wouldn’t you agree?”
Paeng Dohan turned his head to look at the others.
By then, people were gradually gathering toward us. Those who had initially seemed puzzled relaxed their guard upon confirming the Nakhyang Jin Family banner, and upon seeing Paeng Dohan greeting us warmly, they appeared to have identified me as the Young Master So.
Because of this, the first to approach were none other than the Changryongdan members.
“It truly is a remarkable deed, Jin Gongja. Or should I say Jin Daehaep?”
“Hahaha—Cheon Yul, you say? Isn’t he the grandson of one of the Ten Emperors? You’ve accomplished something great.”
At the continued praise from these people, I felt embarrassed and glanced sideways.
Because of the Changryongdan members who had approached, Namgung Baek’s expression didn’t look good. Having suffered at their hands more than once, he couldn’t face them with favorable feelings.
Noticing this, I looked back at Paeng Dohan.
“Ah, I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but Namgung Baek Sohyeop has joined our household.”
“Ah, was that rumor true? Wow—! Hahaha, Namgung Sohyeop, you’ve risen in the world!”
“Ha, haha… Thank you, Paeng Sohyeop.”
“You’ve suffered much all this time, so it’s fortunate you’re receiving such reward now. Isn’t that right?”
“Miss Eon’s words are correct. This is all thanks to Jin Gongja.”
Unlike his fearful demeanor when looking at the faces of others, Namgung Baek spoke comfortably toward Paeng Dohan and Eon Garyeo.
It was certainly not the tone one would use when addressing those who tormented them.
Thus, while maintaining some distance, it meant he had provided quite a considerable amount of support.
Indeed, these two possessed unwavering righteousness and a strong sense of justice.
It was rare to find lovers so perfectly matched.
I turned my head with a subtle smile.
There was a gaze that had felt sharp and piercing since earlier.
When I turned to identify its source, I caught sight of Moyong Hyeok, his eyes narrowed fiercely as he stared directly at me.
“It has been a long time, Moyong Sohyeop.”
“…Yes, it is good to see you.”
“Did you conclude your business in Anhui successfully?”
At my words, Moyong Hyeok’s expression grew even more contorted.
From his face and eyes alone, I could discern the truth.
He had obtained nothing.
He must have exerted himself desperately to uncover whatever traces remained, but the moment word of Pyo Hyeong-geom’s appearance reached him, his focus shifted entirely. Even with the Sword Emperor himself and the Martial Arts Alliance Branch mobilized to scour the region thoroughly, how could one find someone who left no traces behind?
In the interim, the weather had changed.
Whether rain fell or not, wind blew and people disturbed the earth. Sufficient time had passed for the traces remaining in the naturally collapsed Sega to be completely erased.
Moyong Hyeok said nothing and averted his gaze.
It was a clear display of his unwillingness to answer.
At that moment, Paeng Dohan beside me leaned in and whispered.
“Say nothing of it. He is absolutely seething because he found nothing. Do not dare mention that matter aloud.”
“Is that so? That is unfortunate indeed.”
“Indeed. Merely hearing the name Pyo Hyeong-geom sends him into fits of rage… sigh.”
Paeng Dohan exhaled a long sigh and glanced toward Moyong Hyeok.
In that instant, his sharply narrowed eyes turned toward Paeng Dohan.
Startled, Paeng Dohan hastily covered his mouth, and I saw Eon Garyeo beside him strike his abdomen with an elbow.
Did he truly believe his words would not carry this distance?
It seemed that having a tactless friend was quite a burden.
As I entertained such thoughts and turned my gaze away once more.
My pupils trembled violently.
Then came a voice far too familiar to my ears.
“What are you doing?”
His gentle voice drummed against my ears.
My pulse began to race as I felt my eyes tremble while watching him approach me.
With each step he took, as if revealing his presence, he closed the distance, and soon he stood before me, gazing at me intently.
Faced with such a gaze, I swiftly composed my emotions.
I steadied my trembling eyes, calmed my wavering heart, relaxed my rigid expression, and turned my head naturally.
“Ah, Master. This is Jin Cheon-u, a young master of the Nakhyang Jin Family.”
“Oho? The Young Master So who defeated Cheon Yul of Sadocheon?”
At someone’s words, the gaze of the one called Master turned toward me.
A gentle impression and compassionate eyes.
He has a gentle impression and kind eyes.
Yet the sharpness embedded deep within those eyes felt as though it were tearing through my entire being.
I presented myself with the most composed expression and gaze I could muster, assuming a respectful bow toward him.
“It is my honor to meet you for the first time. I am Jin Cheon-u of the Nakhyang Jin Family. I am truly privileged to stand before Martial Arts Master Ho-yeon of the Shrine.”
“Haha— is that so? The one whose name has been ringing through recent rumors, then. I’m delighted to finally see you in person.”

Martial Arts Master Ho-yeon of the Shrine.

And a being belonging to the Twelve Angles, spoken of as one pillar of the Singyeo.
The man who had smiled atop Mount Taeag’s summit now stood before me.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————